Abstract This paper examines the history, economics and politics of the Bubonic Plague and AIDS. The paper explores the art and literature that sprung forth from both these epidemics. The paper contends that there are many similarities between the Bubonic Plague and AIDS. The paper elaborates that they both caught the world by surprise and initially no cures were known for either disease. The paper draws further parallels, stating that both diseases spread quickly and superstitions and myth surrounded the causes of both diseases. The paper also claims that bigotry and ignorance prevailed in both cases.
From the Paper "The fourth law was "to avoid the foul stench which the bodies of the dead give off they have provided and ordered that any ditch in which a dead body is to be buried must be dug under ground to a depth of 2 1/2 braccia by the measure of the city of Pistoia" ("Plague and Public Health in Renaissance Europe"). The fifth law "provided and ordered that no person of whatever condition or status or authority shall dare or presume to return or to carry to the city of Pistoia any dead body in or out of a casket or in any manner"("Plague and Public Health in Renaissance Europe"). There were 25 ordinances passed to protect the citizens from the spread of the plague. Unlike in some areas, where bigotry and superstition was the rule, most of the laws were based on common sense. The laws did prevent the spread of the Plague into Pistoia, which is a miracle considering the fate of Florence."
Abstract In this paper a medieval village has been evaluated for class stratification, health policy, and the nature of the bubonic plague in the Middle Ages. The paper explains that by representing a fictional citizen of this town, one can begin to understand the lack of medical science and policy initiatives that eventually led to a wide spread epidemic in medieval society. The paper then analyzes the various aspects of the bubonic plague within this study of life in a medieval town during the year 1349. The paper also explores how, by being unaware of the nature of the disease and its symptoms, medieval communities were annihilated by a lack of quarantine policies that would have prevented more infections.
From the Paper "The issue of class hierarchy in our town makes virtual servants or "vassals" to our Lord or landowner on the hill. We make sure to farm the local area to provide food for our Lord, and he--in return--makes sure that we are protected with his various knights from other landowners. Also, the Church is prominent in our town, and we have the local clergy on a neighboring hill--making sure that prayers are being said to remove the plague from our village. However, although a peasant--like myself--might view the Roman Catholic Church as an institution that would help the poor and suffering, the clergy have monastic retreats in the countryside, in which, they do nothing to help solve our medical dilemma."
Abstract This paper covers the history of the epidemic of the bacterium that came to be known as the bubonic plague. It begins in 540 A.D., with the first record of its occurrence, and continues to show its from the Mediterranean throughout Europe and Asia. The plague's spread to England in the 1600s led to the first autopsies being conducted and began the search for a cause and cure to this disease. It has virtually been eliminated in our lifetime with only isolated cases occurring, although, there are now fears that it can be isolated and used as a bio-weapon by terrorists in today's world.
From the Paper "Despite of what is thought, the bubonic plague did not end in medieval times. It has kept killing people all the way until today. The next big outbreak after the one in 1665 was in China in 1894. It then spread west to Bombay, India, and in that the time it took to do that the disease killed millions of people. The next couple of decades after that outbreak, scientists were able to identify and classify the disease and its history. However it could at times be difficult for the scientists because symptoms of the bubonic plague often resembled those of other diseases common in the hot climate of the jungles in India."
Tags: black, bubonic, death, pestis, plague, yersinia, vaccination, cure, bacteria, microscopes, scientists, bio-terrorists, bacteria, europe, studies, bitten, flea, cell, immune, system, jungles, india, brazil, united, states, military, research
Abstract The paper relates that the Black Death of the Middle Ages was the bubonic plague, a form of plague that is spread by rats. The paper describes the virulence of the plague that was seen as an evil force over which human beings had no control. The paper examines the mechanism of the disease. The paper reveals that the plague is not only a disease of the past; there is concern that the bubonic plague could be employed as a weapon by a rogue state or a terrorist organization.
From the Paper "The organism that causes bubonic plague is well known today. The plague is caused by a bacillus called Yersinia pestis that is transmitted by the flea. The plague is primarily a disease of rodents, and epidemics with human begins begin with contact with the fleas of infected rodents. The two primary forms of the disease in the human being are the bubonic plague, the most common form in the Middle Ages, and which is characterized by the swelling of the lymph nodes, and pneumonic plague, with the extensive involvement of the lungs. The plague is spread from rodents to human beings in crowded urban areas. In the fourteenth century, the disease was known as the Black Death, and some plague infections were bubonic and some were pneumonic."
The paper examines the massive effects the black plague had on society: including social, physical, psychological, religious, economical effects, and even influence in art and literature.
2,905 words (approx. 11.6 pages), 7 sources, 2000, $ 86.95
Abstract This paper provides a thorough look at the Bubonic Plague, the deadly pandemic that continuously reappeared all throughout Europe until the Seventeenth century, leaving behind death, devastation, and economic disaster. The author discusses how the plague was transmitted, symptoms, the versions of the plague, the plague's impacted on religion, and how it influenced the culture of the times-literature, art, and superstitious behavior. The paper also looks at the staggering number of dead that the Black Death claimed as it swept across the European continent.
From the Paper "The Black Death was a time of death and destruction to all of society and its surroundings during the Fourteenth Century and beyond. According to Chester David Rail, "The sudden onset of human plague in southeastern Europe and the Middle East in the winter of 1346-1347 seems to have marked the beginning of the plague", Rail, 11. The Black Plague was a deadly pandemic continuously reappearing all throughout Europe until the Seventeenth century, leaving behind death, devastation, and economic disaster. The Black Death, also known as the Black Plague or the Bubonic Plague, originated in the Thirteenth century. The disease originally was transmitted from rat to rat and from rat to man by the bite of rat-fleas. "Bubonic plague may be transmitted from place to place by imported fleas, which are carried by people"in their baggage or in merchandise?, Wilson , 2. Constant travel and trade by Europeans with other countries exposed Europe to the plague. Its symptoms were exhibited by buboes, which are hard, painful, swellings of lymphatic glands usually affecting the groin area or under the armpits and around the neck."
From the Paper "Most people associate bubonic plague with the dreaded "Black Death" epidemic which took place in Europe during the fourteenth century. However, although they are comparatively rare, cases of bubonic plague still occur sporadically in various parts of the world today, including the United States (McEvedy, 1988, p. 118). One of the most characteristic symptoms of the plague is a "bubo," a large growth on the body caused by the swelling of a lymph gland. Buboes usually appear on the groin, neck, or armpit of the victim (Forgotten, but not gone, 1989, p. 84). Other possible symptoms of bubonic plague include: "shivering, fever, vomiting, headache, giddiness, intolerance to light, pain in the abdomen, back, and limbs, insomnia, apathy, and delirium" (Matossian, 1989, p. 48). The plague also causes hemorrhaging under the skin, which results in black splotches appearing on the..."
This essay talks about society before, during and after the Black Plague that swept through Europe in 1348. It covers a broad range of cultural aspects affected from class structure to medical theories to religion to city planning.
Abstract This paper discusses society in medieval Europe and the effects the Black Plague of 1348 had on it. The writer discusses society beforehand, noting the population explosion shortly before it hit. The writer briefly talks about the pathology of the disease and discusses some theories as to what the Black Plague was actually caused by (recent theories rule out the bubonic plague alone). The paper also discusses the impact the plague had on medical theories and also the method used by doctors and surgeons. The paper then analyzes the ways in which people of different classes reacted to the plague and the precautions everyday people took to prevent the disease from afflicting them. Noted are also the the religious shifts in dogma, the religious groups that emerged out of the plague and the class system before and after the plague. Lastly the writer discusses the changes in the arts because of the plague, and how it ultimately affected medieval Europe to the point of it stirring the beginnings of the Renaissance almost 200 years later.
From the Paper "To truly understand the devastation caused by the Black Death in the mid-fourteenth century, one need only look at the writing of Agnolo di Tura, a Tuscan chronicler of the time: I do not know where to begin to tell of the cruelty and the pitiless ways. It seemed that almost everyone became stupefied by seeing the pain. And it is impossible for the human tongue to recount the awful truth.... [T]he victims died almost immediately. They would swell beneath the armpits and in their groins and fall over while talking. Father abandoned child, wife husband, one brother another; for this illness seemed to strike through breath and sight?. [T]hey died by the hundreds, both day and night, and all were thrown in those ditches and covered with earth. And as soon as those ditches were filled, more were dug. And I, Agnolo di Tura"buried my five children with my own hands"And so many died that all believed it was the end of the world (qtd. Gottfried 45). This horrific pestilence, wiping out an estimated third of the entire population of Europe, has been claimed by many scholars to mark a transition in medieval society, affecting everything from art to wages to religious thought. The point of this essay is to try and highlight the more obvious trends that arose in post-plague society and to demonstrate how, at the very least, these trends may be direct effects of arguably the worst natural disaster in recorded history. "
Abstract This paper looks at the book by David Herlihy: The Black Death and the Transformation of the West and how it discusses the modern view on the outbreak of bubonic plague in the west, its history and how Merlihy himself feels the plague was spread, it social consequences and what other aspects can be attributed to the plague.
Abstract This paper talks about how characters in Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" all try to obtain salvation in some way or another. The bubonic plague and shortage of priests are discussed in this paper, as are other issues. Direct quotations from the original text are used to prove the author's points. The paper also discusses the Roman Catholic Church.
From the Paper "The ratio of virtuous clergymen to corrupt clergymen portrayed in The Canterbury Tales is most likely incorrect, but corrupt churchmen did exist in those days. The major reason for these crooked men was another consequence of the bubonic plague. More than ever were priests needed, but, unfortunately, many priests had perished along with the millions of other people. Priests were needed to bless the dying, perform masses, say confession, and perform many other duties. In a time of dire need, the Roman Catholic Church resolved to practically accept and consecrate into the priesthood virtually anyone wanting to join. Corrupt churchmen were probably a result of the mass hiring of priests in the aftermath of the Black Death."
Abstract This paper discusses how historical epidemics like the bubonic plague in Europe in the fourteenth century, the influenza outbreak of 1918-1920, smallpox during the 1960s and AIDS have impacted modern public health care policy and protocols.
From the Paper " Jonsen and Stryker argue that both historically and in moderntime's epidemics have been responsible for having a monumental impact on the following social institutions. The public health system ..."
Tags: health care, public health policy, epidemics, plague, sanitation, clean water, AIDS, bubonic plague, influenza, smallpox
Abstract This paper discusses the causes and effects of the Black Plague or the Black Death, as it was known to Europeans (or formerly known as the Bubonic Plague). It describes the nature of the Black Plague and its effects on individuals and communities. The paper then discusses how the Black Plague contributed to the end of feudalism in Europe.
From the Paper "Europeans in the middle ages tended to be superstitious in their religious beliefs. As they searched for something or someone to blame for the wrath of the plague, all of their praying and blind faith did not protect them from being infected. Comets, earthquakes, astrological configurations and the sin of humankind were all examined as possible causes. Interestingly, as Christians watched as their cardinals, bishops, priests and other clergy fall dead, just as vulnerable as anyone else, the religious strength of the feudal structure began to decline, as well. It is thought that these events may have ignited the Protestant Reformation (Uretsky)."
Abstract This paper discusses the impact of the Black Death (bubonic plague) in the Middle East and North Africa. It begins by giving a brief overview of the plague, its symptoms and how it spread. In particular, the paper focuses on the social and economic effects of the plague and emphasizes the plague's effects on North Africa and the Middle East in the 13th Century.
From the Paper "The Black Death, also known as the plague, was, in effect, what we now call an epidemic. The plague was considered a pandemic because it covered such a wide area. The plague is an infectious fever caused by a bacillus with the scientific name Bacillus Pasteurella. High fevers, chills and then dilirium characterize the bubonic plague. The lymph nodes swell and become painful. The swellings are called buboes, hence the name bubonic plague. Death from this form usually came in about a week. Wild rodents carried the disease, the black rat in particular, and later the larger and stronger relative, known as the brown, or Norway rat. A connection is mentioned between the rats and the plague in the Hindu Holy Book, Bhagavata Purana."
Abstract This paper provides an overall history of the Church Santa Maria della Salute and explores its history and significance. It begins with an explanation why the Church was built following the bubonic plague and describes how it is still a source of inspiration to the citizens of Venice. It discuss unique architectural features of the church and provides a brief biography of the architect Baldassare Longhena.
From the Paper "Anyone who has ever been to Venice - and indeed perhaps even anyone who has merely dreamed of going to Venice - will know the huge baroque church of Santa Maria della Salute. It is architecturally one of the most and probably the most important religious building in the city. It's distinctive shape, visible form all over the city, has greeted both visitors and natives since it was erected in the 17th century as an attempt to appease the heavens. This paper examines both the architectural and artistic significance of this building."
Abstract An analysis of "Two Memoirs of Renaissance Florence: The Diaries of Buonaccorso Pitti & Gregorio Dati? which provide invaluable insight on the changing economic conditions caused by the demographic collapse of the 14th century. This collapse was caused by the Black Death plague that wiped out a third of the population. The paper looks at the importance of the information stored in these diaries.
From the Paper "To start with, the diaries endorse the already well-documented fact that the 14th century saw a rise in international trade. Pitti's ricordanze tells us that his business pursuits took him all over Europe. He gives us an insight into the nature of his business as in: a failed attempt to sell "pearls and jewelry" in Holland; engaging in horse-trading with kings; unloading nearly 11,000 gallons of wine for a profit of ?400 gold francs? (62). The fact that Pitti was able to easily engage in high-profile business is evident when he records that he "possessed 10,000 gold francs between wool, the house, furniture, horses, equipment, and cash" (68)."
Abstract The Black Death was a flea-borne plague that had a devastating impact and significant consequences for medieval European society. This paper analyzes its epidemic from its arrival in Sicily in October 1347 on the caravans bringing trade goods from central Asia to its race through Europe at a record speed. During its peak, the plague killed about one-third of Europe's population. It discusses how the Black Death also changed European history, affecting religion, economy, politics, social relations and family life.
From the Paper "In 1347, a group of Italian merchant ships returned from a trip to the Black Sea, which was one of the key links in trade with China. When the ships docked in Sicily, many of its passengers were already dying of the plague. Within days the disease had spread to the city and the surrounding countryside. According to historians, the plague struck and killed people more quickly than any other disease in history."
